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When it comes to preparing for oral surgery,  the valued patients of Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS are given 6 essential directives to get them through from start to finish.

First, Choose Wisely
Understanding the details of a procedure helps you achieve the optimal outcome. This important knowledge about your dental experience opens up a conversation with our staff. Which leads us to the next instruction:

Second, Question Up Front
We want to answer these 4 important questions:
-What are the alternatives to having it done?
-Why is this the best option?
-How many visits should I expect?
-What kind of complications or risks are there?
(After you’ve asked your questions, we’ll ask ours.)

Third, Update Records
This is not just for billing purposes. The conscientious staff here at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS want to prepare for any possibility. Making sure your personal contact information is up-to-date helps us convey essential specifics to you post-procedure.

Fourth, Be Honest
While Dr. Clint Blackwood has a gentle, helpful touch, we find that slight pinches and cramping and other pain can develop while you are in our chair. When the doctor asks if you are comfortable, please be honest. We understand it is difficult to communicate clearly when your mouth is inundated with tools. Experience has helped us to read your cues. Let us make you as comfortable as possible.

Fifth, Rest and Recover
After any extensive procedure, it is important to allow a period of rest for your mouth. This rest period may vary depending on how the procedure goes. This instruction will be given to you along with any other needed recovery instructions. Follow these as issued.

Finally, Sixth, Accept our Thanks
We appreciate your business and we appreciate the way the Salt Lake City communities have spread the word that Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS is Murray’s best kept dental secret located right here at 279 E 5900 S Ste 202 Murray, Utah or on the web at http://www.saltlakedentalcare.com/meet-dr-blackwood/. We are so grateful for the trust you’ve placed in our hands. Thank you.

We would love to have you invite your friends to enjoy the same exceptional dental care we’ve given you whether they need sedation dentistry, teeth whitening, wisdom teeth removal porcelain veneers, Invisalign, or details on how to improve general oral hygiene. We are here to serve.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

When you meet a man or woman in Salt Lake City who is missing a front tooth, what does that say to you?

Do you wonder if they were in an accident?

Do you automatically start making assumptions about their income, level of education and overall physical health?

It’s Unfair….

Though it is extremely unfair, we are often evaluated (and misjudged) by our appearance. Even if an individual is impeccably dressed and groomed, a missing front tooth detracts from the overall attractive presentation.

How Does it Lower Your Quality of Life?

Here is a personal story from a woman who lost a tooth:

I lost my job and along with it my dental insurance, then a month later, one of my front teeth. It has been very hard to find work…. and I know the missing tooth has cost me several jobs.”

Missing teeth can be a big deal. Here’s another experience:

I was involved in a car accident three years ago. Two of my teeth were damaged and had to be extracted. For six months I had a big gap in my smile. I have to make sales calls for my job. I felt so self-conscious it affected my work. I tried a dental bridge, but it was hard to clean. One of the adjacent teeth ended up getting decay. I needed a permanent solution.

Better Than Dentures

Dental implants not only restore oral health, they restore self-image. Permanent dental implants are a long-term solution for missing teeth.

Studies have shown that after more than 20 years, the vast majority of teeth implants continue to function at peak performance. If properly cared for, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Call Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS at 801-506-6009 for more information about implant placements and restorative dentistry- Clint Blackwood, DDS

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Today’s post focuses on an effective and versatile cosmetic dental procedure—porcelain veneers.

Veneers are individual covers for the front part of teeth. They are an exceptional way to correct a myriad of tooth imperfections such as chips, stains, yellowing, unattractive shape or minimal misalignment.

Have you ever sought a minimally-invasive facelift for a tooth without getting an entire crown? Veneers are your solution! Durable, tooth-colored porcelain laminate is shaped into thin shells and custom-fitted for each patient’s unique set of teeth.

How many veneers should you get? This depends on how many teeth you want to enhance and the overall condition of your teeth. Dr. Blackwood will counsel you on the most beneficial strategy.

The thickness, color, alignment, and shape of your teeth influence the outcome as well as whether you have any gum recession. Veneers are matched to your existing teeth so they will blend seamlessly, but if you are planning to treat several teeth, you definitely want to have them created in the same “batch” at the lab.

The first step in the veneer process is to make an impression of your teeth to work from. After that, a dental technician will use the model to manufacture the veneers to the precise size, shape, color, and extent of translucency. Experienced cosmetic dentists and dental technicians elevate the level of artistry in this It’s a complex process.

Many patients wonder if veneers are as durable as their natural teeth. Though the veneer tooth-prep process weakens the tooth to a very tiny degree, with proper care, veneers can last up to 15 years. Dr. Blackwood will advise you in detail on proper care of porcelain veneers.

Porcelain veneers are more durable than dental bonding, which is sometimes used to correct the same types of imperfections. Dental bonding generally has a shorter life span than veneers, so keep this in mind when comparing the price tags of the two procedures.

If you are looking for a dentist with an artistic eye for impeccable porcelain veneers, give Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS a call. My name is Dr. Clint Blackwood and I have been serving Murray, Utah since 2005.

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/v/veneers.aspx4

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Some individuals don’t feel that their smile is an asset, so they do their best to keep it hidden. Pictures, funny movies, jokes, hilarious internet videos—none of these can induce a smile or chuckle.

If this person sounds familiar (because it is you!), then maybe you would like some specifics about complete smile makeovers.

Don’t be embarrassed! Plenty of folks are disinclined to highlight their smiles.

Here at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS we provide cosmetic dentistry procedures for our patients who have concerns such as a previous mouth injury, tooth discoloration, poor spacing, chipped teeth, tetracycline stains, crooked teeth, or missing teeth.

Now is the time to get the confident smile that you’ve always wanted!

Many individuals start with teeth whitening. This quickly creates a brighter smile. It’s a simple procedure, but the results are truly significant.

Other procedures that improve the look of your teeth and/or your oral health include dental crowns, dental implants, veneers, enamel shaping, gum contouring, bonding, and more! We can also refer you to an experienced orthodontist if needed.

I’m Dr. Clint Blackwood and I am committed to helping my patients enjoy healthy mouths and beautiful smiles.

Visit Us Once and You’ll Be A Patient For Life

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Implants? Crowns? Veneers? Invisible braces? As dental technology and services have expanded in the Murray area, so has the vocabulary. Dentistry has advanced to provide many new solutions that address almost every possible dental trouble.

Dr. Clint Blackwood, considered one of the best dentists in Utah, has skill with cosmetic and ideal restorative services.

In the past, if a patient in Murray had a missing tooth or a severely damaged tooth, Utah dentists regularly suggested dental bridges or dentures, because they were the best options at the time. These days, cutting-edge dental implants have proven to be superior to dental bridges for most Salt Lake City patients. They can also replace dentures or anchor dentures for some patients.

A tooth implant provides advantages over a bridge or dentures:

Longevity – Dental implants are strong and permanent, meaning with proper care they can last ten years or more.
Seamless – Manufactured to have the same shape, size, and color of the original tooth, the implant will blend seamlessly with all the other teeth. If the original tooth had aesthetic troubles, these can frequently be repaired with the implant crown.
Function – A dental implant functions like a natural tooth allowing for normal eating and speaking.
Convenience – No adhesives, rinsing, or removal is required.
Independent – No damaging of adjacent teeth is required, as with dental bridges. The uniqueness allows nearby teeth to remain intact. Cleaning is easier than with most dental bridges which can require the threading of floss under and around the artificial tooth.

Let’s discuss the tooth implant protocol:
If you are interested in getting a tooth implant, call Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS at 801-938-8855 to schedule a tooth implant consultation. Dr. Blackwood practices in the greater Salt Lake City area from Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS in Murray. Dr. Blackwood will complete an exam, take x-rays and guide with you. If it is determined that you are a good candidate for the procedure, the process will begin.

Plaster dental impressions of both upper and lower plates will be taken. Dr. Blackwood will precisely place the titanium implant, which looks like a dark screw, into the bone of your jaw. Within the following couple of months, the bone and implant will bond together to form a new root for your new tooth.

After the bonding of the bone and implant is complete, an extension (called an abutment) is placed on top of the initial implant post. This post extension is capped with a temporary tooth. Meanwhile, the team of professionals at our lab will shape your new, permanent crown.

Dr. Blackwood will then put the pleasing permanent crown on top of the full post. This tooth will match your other teeth to create a fantastic new smile. You will find that the comfort is the same as your natural teeth, to the point that you may even forget which tooth is the implant. The upkeep is the same, with brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups necessary.

If you want to determine if a tooth implant is right for you or desire specifics about cosmetic dental smile makeovers, call Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS for more details. We look forward to meeting you!

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

We find that many dental patients in the Sandy, Taylorsville, and Draper areas get a couple of dental terms mixed up. We would like to clarify the differences between plaque, calculus, and cavities.

Plaque is a film that covers teeth – a sticky layer of bacteria. You can remove plaque through daily brushing and flossing. However, if it isn’t removed it can build up and harden into calculus.

Calculus, also known as tartar, is hardened plaque that also accumulates minerals from food and saliva. Regular check-ups and cleanings with your Murray dentist are necessary to remove tartar as well as hard-to-reach plaque.

Plaque and calculus are not cavities, but they can lead to cavities. A cavity is basically a hole in the tooth caused by decay. Because plaque and calculus contain bacteria, the bacteria release acids which accelerate tooth decay and eventually lead to more cavities.

A good rule of thumb for Salt Lake City dental patients is this: Avoid plaque to avoid calculus and tartar to avoid tooth decay to avoid cavities. Got it?

I hope you’ve found this helpful, and if you’re in the Sandy, Taylorsville, or Draper area and are in need of quality dental care, call our office at 801-938-8855 to schedule an appointment today.

Our high-quality staff would love to answer any questions you have about our services, including cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and veneers.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Most parents know children’s oral health basics: brush regularly, reduce sugar intake, limit snacking, and get adequate amounts of calcium and Vitamin D. Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS recommends three additional tools for preventing cavities in toddlers and children.

Sealants
Fluoride supplements
Oral rinses

Resin dental sealants are applied by your dentist. The material bonds to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, protecting the pits and fissures from decay. Some Utah dental insurance providers cover dental sealants, so check with your provider if you are considering them.

Fluoride supplements help strengthen developing teeth prior to eruption. You can get a prescription from your pediatrician or talk to us at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS in Murray. There is one caveat, however: if you have fluoridated water, your pediatrician may counsel against taking additional fluoride in supplement form.

If your son or daughter is taking fluoride supplements, is an oral rinse redundant? Actually, no. While supplements help tooth development, fluoride rinse helps teeth that have already come in. Make sure you pick one specifically formulated for children. Products labeled as a mouthwash are usually intended only for breath-freshening and may not contain fluoride.

I counsel children to use an oral rinse after they brush and floss at night. They are most effective when they are the last substance on teeth before kids go to bed.

At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we believe that with proper preventative dentistry, kids can enjoy healthy teeth for life.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Today’s Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS post addresses one of the most feared dental procedures: the infamous root canal.

A successful root canal (or endodontic treatment in dental-speak) can save a tooth and prevent the need for an extraction followed by a dental bridge, dental implant, or gap in your smile.

If, after a thorough evaluation, we determine that a tooth needs a root canal, Dr. Blackwood will explain the procedure and costs that are involved.

Root canals are completed to save an infected tooth. If not treated, abscesses and complete tooth loss may occur.

During the procedure, Blackwood will remove the nerve and pulp, and then clean and disinfect the interior of your tooth (the canal). The next step is filling and sealing the cleaned area with a special rubbery material, and then protecting the restored tooth with a crown or filling.

Root canals have the reputation of being painful, but this is not the case anymore. There are several effective pain management methods available today at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS. We will make sure you are comfortable during the procedure. Once the infected tissue is removed, we will focus on helping the area heal.

If you are unfamiliar with our services at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, be sure to visit our website at http://www.saltlakedentalcare.com/meet-dr-blackwood/ to get more information.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

A sensational smile leaves a lasting impression. Professional teeth whitening can dramatically improve your overall appearance and give you a boost in self-confidence.

Most people are aware that smoking is not only bad for our lungs but can also discolor our teeth. There are even some medications that can impact tooth color.

If you are considering having your teeth whitened, you must first select which method to use. At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we enjoy discussing treatment options with our patients. To schedule a consultation to talk about teeth whitening or any other dental procedure, call 801-938-8855.

At-home whitening treatments usually consist of trays filled with whitening solution. It generally takes 7-14 days to achieve 3-6 shades lighter. Brush-on teeth gels and whitening strips take up to 30 days to realize results. Whitening toothpaste may lighten superficial stains but often provides no change in the appearance of teeth.

Professional teeth whitening procedures performed by a dental professional achieve dramatic results that can last longer than other treatments.

All of the whitening methods may cause tooth pain or sensitivity, but this usually goes away in a few days. If you have crowns, porcelain veneers, or dental bonding, it is crucial to speak with your dentist before choosing a whitening method.

Visit Us Once and You’ll Be A Patient For Life

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107